Nonprofit Helps Veterans Heal at Free Retreat

A national nonprofit that serves veterans recently opened in Southern Arizona. Boulder Crest Retreat is located in the Santa Rita mountains, near Sonoita.

The treatment center says it offers an intensive, seven-day treatment program to veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. Josh “Oz” Oswald is a former patient who now serves as a counselor.

“When I left the military, I thought that was going to be the answer. The stress, the anxiety, the migraines would go away. But it didn’t help,” Oswald said.

Brian Bell, the executive director, says he and his staff are committed to treating veterans on a variety of levels to include meditation, journaling, cooking and one-on-one communication. Bell says the free treatment program is also extended to families.

“Post-traumatic stress is contagious. It’s like having the flu. It affects your family. We are not just here to heal the combat veterans. We’re here to heal the whole family.”

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